makeup – Palakpahwa

Top 10 ingredients in cosmetic products you should know about

September 30, 2024 No Comments

Do you ever read the labels on your skincare and cosmetic products?

Have you ever wondered what goes into them and why they have a certain texture, smell and feel? If you continue buying cosmetic products that don’t give you the desired results, you might think that there’s something wrong with the products.

Well, guess what? In most situations, there is nothing wrong with the cosmetic products but they might just not be right for your skin type.

The formulations of those cosmetic products may not give you the results you are looking for. And, that’s why it’s important to study the ingredients carefully and read every label. I have spent a good amount of time studying the various ingredients that brands today put in their products and the results they have.

I know you’re going to say “So what”? We don’t have to read the label to understand whether a product will work for us or not. If you have dry skin, I am sure you can figure out over time when a product doesn’t give you enough hydration. And if you have oily skin, then you know well which cosmetic products make your skin greasier and provide more than needed hydration. But there are two main reasons why you should start reading labels on your cosmetic products,

To understand what you’re putting on your skin
To layer different cosmetic products effectively on top of each other and optimize their results

That is why makeup is an art. Because we don’t just blindly layer cosmetic products on top of each other. We need to really know what kind of primer goes well with what kind of foundation, concealer and so on. If you really want smooth and long lasting results, then it’s important to know your product’s ingredients and how they will work.

Usually, we only need to look at the first 4-5 ingredients to understand the formulation of our skincare and cosmetic products. In most situations, those are the key ingredients in defining the composition of the products. So, I have curated a list of the top 10 most commonly found ingredients in our skincare and makeup products, and their properties.

1. Water

This is usually the first ingredient in most cosmetic products like foundations. It can also be listed as Aqua or Hydra. It’s usually used as a solvent to dissolve other ingredients and give the cosmetic products a liquid consistency so that they can easily spread on the skin. If you have an oily skin, then a water-based moisturizer or serum would work best for you as part of your skincare routine because all water-based cosmetic products provide light hydration and don’t make the skin oily or greasy.

2. Glycerin and Glycol

These are humectants, meaning they provide great hydration and lock in moisture. They generally are the key ingredients in hydrating skincare cosmetic products so they’re great for those with dry skin. They also help slow down the evaporation of water from the skin, which can help keep the skin moist and hydrated for a longer duration. So they’re best to use in winters.

If you have dry or dehydrated skin, or even combination skin with dry areas, then a skincare product with Glycerin or Glycol as one of the first 3-4 ingredients would be a great source of moisturization.

3. Hyaluronic acid

This also provides good hydration and is found in many moisturizers, serums and primers. It’s also great to improve skin elasticity and make the skin flexible. It doesn’t have a greasy texture like glycerin but provides a lighter hydration, where Glycerin provides a heavier hydration. So, for all those with oily skin, this ingredient would work great.

4. Paraffinum Liquidum and Cera Alba

This ingredient is wax based and is derived from petroleum. Since it is derived from a mineral based oil, it provides heavy hydration. It makes the skin smooth and soft, but it doesn’t get absorbed in the skin. It protects the skin from dehydration. So, if you come across any product with this ingredient in the first 4-5 on the list, then you should know that the product will provide intense hydration and will work best on dry skin.

Cera Alba is also a wax based ingredient but it is derived from beeswax. This ingredient is also intensely hydrating, just like Paraffinum Liquidum. So any product with this as the key ingredient will also work best on dry skin. Another benefit of this ingredient in skincare cosmetic products is that it forms a protective barrier against all external elements so it essentially protects the skin from dirt, pollution etc.

5. PEG/PPG

This ingredient is an emulsifier, meaning it is mainly used to mix different types of ingredients together. Some ingredients like Silicone are hydrophobic so they don’t mix with water. But with the help of an emulsifier, such hydrophobic ingredients can be effectively mixed with water. So, in our silicone based foundations you will likely find this ingredient that is working to mix silicone with water. That is the only function of this ingredient.

6. Polymers

This is one of the most important ingredients and it’s mainly used as a film-former. That means it creates a plastic layer wherever it is applied and prevents the product from moving too much. It is widely used in hair sprays. Most common polymers are Copolymer and PVP. Because of their film forming ability, they are very good to provide a long lasting and transfer-proof finish. They are widely found in makeup fixing sprays. So, if your makeup fixing spray has this ingredient as one of the top 5 then you should know that the spray will provide excellent transfer-proof and long lasting results.

7. Isododecane

This ingredient is usually found in foundation mixers like Inglot Duraline to make the makeup long lasting and waterproof. That is why this ingredient is mainly used in waterproof mascaras or long lasting liquid lipsticks. It is also used in some makeup setting sprays to fix the makeup and make it stay in place. So, if you see this ingredient listed among the top 4-5 in the list, you should know that the product will provide longevity to your makeup. So, when you’re looking for a longer lasting makeup product, you should find one with this as one of the key ingredients.

8. Talc

This ingredient is derived from sand and is used to absorb excess oil on the skin, prevent caking, and give a blurry effect. That is why this ingredient is mainly used in makeup setting powders.

9. Synthetic Fluorphlogopite

This ingredient has the same function as Mica, i.e. to increase sparkle or shine of the finished cosmetics. You will mainly find this ingredient in blushes, eyeshadows and highlighters. So if any of your product has this as one of the ingredients, then know that the product will provide a more shiny, dewy effect versus matte.

10. Silicones

There are multiple functions that Silicones serve in our cosmetic products. One of their main functions is to absorb excess oil to leave a matte finish. Also, it sits on the skin and doesn’t get absorbed so it creates a barrier on the skin and prevents moisture from evaporating from the skin. That is why many primers today have silicone because it’s best to prep the skin and absorb excess moisture before layering cosmetic products

Another function of silicones is to smoothen the surface, which is what creates a blurry effect on the skin. There are mainly two types of silicones found in most cosmetic products – Dimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane. So, if your cosmetic products have any one of these as the key ingredient, then you should know that it is a silicone based product and will serve all the functions mentioned above.

There are many more ingredients that cosmetic products today contain but these 10 are the most used ones. I hope this can be a helpful guide for you in understanding the top ingredients of our favorite cosmetic products. Leave in your comments if you have more insights to share! 🙂

If you’re interested in learning more about skincare and makeup, you can find more blogs here.

Beauty, Product Recommendations

Best skin prep products that you should have in your vanity!

August 4, 2024 No Comments

If you’re a makeup enthusiast like myself, I am sure you know that there’s nothing more satisfying than a flawless and long lasting makeup base. Many a time, we struggle with our makeup coming off, looking patchy or flaky and we think that’s because our technique went wrong somewhere in the process. I have tried changing my makeup application and swapped my beauty blenders for brushes. But, that didn’t always fix the problem. Incorporating the best skin prep products in your makeup regime can definitely address most of the issues we face with makeup today.

Preparing your skin well before starting with your makeup is the most important part to achieving a flawless look. So, never underestimate skin prep and in fact, spend more time on it. If your skin prep is done right, not only will your makeup glide smoothly, but it will also save you from applying extra layers. Because in today’s world, where “less is more” is the trend, who needs three layers of foundation when you can do with just one?

So, this blog is my attempt to share some of the best skin prep products that I have tried and found to be the best so far. Some of these were recommended to me by some professional makeup artists and some were based on my own research. I have tried all of these and I can swear by them.

So, let’s jump right in!

1. Cleansing

The first step, as we all know, is to start with a clean and clear skin. I usually start with a gentle cleanser that is soft and doesn’t irritate my skin. For this, I recommend the cult favorite that’s been recommended by many of the industry’s top artists. It’s the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. Although I have a combination skin, I can safely say that this balm works well for all skin types. It melts down impurities and makeup, and really leaves the skin feeling clean and soft.

Another used and cult favorite cleanser is Garnier’s Micellar Water. I have used this for the longest time and I still haven’t found a better alternative. This can be used as a makeup remover when you want to take off your makeup or can be used as part of skin prep to give yourself a clean canvas to start your makeup with. So, if you don’t have the time or patience to do the full cleansing ritual, you can just start from this step. This also works well on every skin type. Just be sure to use an oil-free version of this product.

As a general rule of thumb in makeup, all steps before moisturizing should include only oil-free products. Using an oil-based product in cleansing or toning can further clog your pores and interfere with your makeup application.

2. Toning

One toner that I have used since forever and has worked really well for me is Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion. It’s a very light weight toner that works really well to prepare your skin to absorb all the serums and moisturizers that you will be layering on in the following steps.

Another great toner that was recommended to me by my dermatologist and has worked well for me so far is Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This works very well in the long term in unclogging pores and reducing unevenness. This toner has a bit of a thicker texture so if you have a really oily skin then use it sparingly.

3. Moisturizing

They say that a good moisturizer can make or break your makeup. And I completely agree with that. It’s very important to know your skin type and needs, and accordingly choose the right moisturizer. If you have a combination skin, it’s very important to apply the right moisturizer to the right target areas. For example, my t-zone is oily so I usually apply a very light weight water-based moisturizer on my t-zone. However, my forehead and rest of the face are normal so I sometimes can go in with a heavier moisturizer depending on the coverage I want.

One of my favorite serums to begin with is Tatcha’s Essence. This product is very light weight so it’s not enough on its own as it does not provide enough hydration to the skin. But it lays a good groundwork for your moisturizer to go on smoothly.

I also really like using facial sprays that provide a light hydration and prepare the skin for moisturizer. One of my favorite facial sprays is Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. Aloe vera and rosewater are both humectants so they attract and bind water, and help retain moisture.

When it comes to moisturizers under makeup, I have two favorites. For oily or normal skin, I recommend Tatcha’s Water Cream. This cream leaves such a soft and plump texture and also provides a subtle glow. That makes it very easy to apply base products.

Another favorite that I would recommend for people with normal to dry skin is the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. I have used this cream on the majority of my clients and the results have been flawless. This moisturizer works well on most of the skin types and it really provides a very long lasting finish. It has beeswax, aloe vera and shea butter. All of these are extremely hydrating ingredients so it’s perfect for dry skin or someone that needs extra hydration for a long lasting and heavy coverage.

4. Lip prep

One of my most favorite lip oils that I have been using religiously since the last few months as part of skin prep is Lyst’s Glossy Lip Treatment Oil. I got my hands on this oil when I was attending a makeup show and it was recommended to me by a makeup artist. I have been using it since then and I just love the moisturization it provides. It has a thick texture so it really plumps the lips and also provides a soft glow.

5. Eye prep

Another favorite skin prep product is Good Molecules Wake Up Eye Gel. It makes for a great eye primer and works well to reduce puffiness, fine lines and smoothen the under eye area. I have been using it on my clients and it has worked really well so far.

6. Priming

I have some favorites when it comes to primers, depending on the look I am going for.

If you have normal to oily skin, and you used a water-based moisturizer, then one of the best water-based primers you can use is Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer. Since this is a water-based primer, make sure to only use it over water-based moisturizers. Do not try to layer it over oil-based or wax-based moisturizers as it will crack. Its main function is to provide a strong grip to your foundation, as the name suggests. So when you want a long lasting and dewy finish, this is one of the best to use. It’s also very light weight so it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and provides a very smooth base for the foundation to glide on.

If you want more of a dewy look, my recommendation is Denessa Myricks Glow Serum Primer. This product went viral on social media when it was launched. And the buzz was worth it because this primer really provides great hydration and glow. It is infused with skincare so it’s not just sitting on your skin but it’s actually going deeper into the skin layers and providing an inner glow and nourishment. It works really well with Danessa Myricks Vision Cream Cover and provides a flawless look.

My final recommendation when it comes to primers is B3 Astraea Facial Oil. Even though it’s a facial oil, it doesn’t have a very greasy texture so it is suitable for all skin types. So, if after moisturization, your skin still feels thirsty and you feel like you need more hydration, this oil is a great option. It has very nourishing ingredients so it can be used as part of skincare regularly as well. However, the best way I have found to use it is to mix it with my concealers and foundations. That way I can make sure that I lock in the moisture when I layer in my base products. I use it mainly with wax-based makeup like the Graftobian Foundation Palette and it works flawlessly.

And that’s a wrap as far as the best skin prep products go. As we all know, there’s no rulebook when it comes to skincare or makeup and it’s a very personal choice. But with the right products, tools and methods, we can definitely achieve that flawless makeup look that we all strive for.

Hope you liked reading my post. Feel free to leave your comments or thoughts in the comments section below!

For my recommendations on the best makeup products, follow this link.

Beauty, Product Reviews, Product Reviews

Mellow Cosmetics Lipsticks – My Honest Review

June 27, 2023 No Comments

If I ask all you ladies about the three things you always carry in your purse, what are you going to say? I think I know that most of you will say lipstick. Yes, that’s definitely in the top three for me. No matter where I go, you’ll always find lipstick in my bag. I don’t like to haul around all my makeup in my bag but the only thing I probably need on most occasions for a touch up is lipstick. So, by now you’ve probably guessed how much I love them and with that comes the never ending urge to keep trying different brands and types. Discovering a new brand or trying an edgy new product always excites me.

Back in 2020, a New Zealand based cosmetics company called Mellow Cosmetics reached out to me on Instagram for a brand collaboration on their Mellow cosmetics lipsticks range. I hadn’t heard of this brand back then so it was a very new territory for me. But what I really loved about them instantly was that they made vegan, cruelty free and paraben free products. Also, their collection looked amazing. Not to mention, they also put a lot of effort into their edgy and stylish packaging.

I ordered three matte liquid lipsticks and I couldn’t be any happier with what I got. I still remember the day they came and how I just couldn’t wait to try them on.

You can shop them directly from their website and if you use the discount code – Mellow15, you’ll get 15% off your entire order. The good news is that they’re currently running a promotion on their Nude Lip Collection, which includes 6 of their bestselling liquid lip shades that you can get for $47, instead of paying $17 for each individual lipstick. That’s less than half the price so go grab one!

Here’s my experience with the three Mellow cosmetics lipsticks I tried – Sydney, Auckland and Florence.

Shade – Sydney

Of all the three, Sydney is my favorite because of the way it looks on me (see in the picture below). It’s a beautiful nude pink color and is just so perfect for everyday use. I am a sucker for nude colors and this one has, by far, been my favorite nude pink lip shade. I used to wear this shade pretty much everyday to my zoom meetings for work and I still do sometimes. And believe me, it looked so natural and appropriate for work calls.

Shade – Auckland

The shade Auckland is a deeper red color. It’s more like a wine color (see below) but again, has such an amazing and flawless finish. Will go perfectly with your date night outfit.

Shade – Florence

The shade Florence is a more coral shade and perfect for spring. It’s a light and vibrant shade but very wearable. I use this shade a little less than the other two and whenever I do use it, I generally mix it up with other colors.

What I love about these lipsticks is their creamy matte finish. They don’t feel dry and they have a mousse-like consistency.
They’re so buildable that many times I just use them as a base layer and then top it off with another color.
They have a great longevity. Even though they’re very light weight, once you put them on you won’t have to worry about touching up for at least 3-4 hours.
The application is so easy. I have had unpleasant experiences with some other liquid lipsticks where the lipstick is so thick that it just sits on your lips very clumsily and is hard to rub off. These lipsticks are so light that you can easily control how much you want to apply and not have to worry about them getting smudged in the process.
One tip before applying these – Use a soft and moisturizing lip balm for a base layer to get your lips hydrated and these lipsticks will build on it flawlessly. That’ll also leave you with a bit of a glossy finish if that’s what you want and will increase longevity.
They are only $17 so cheaper than most luxe brands. They’re available on their website and shipping doesn’t take too long. They’re also available on Amazon and Nordstrom but it’s cheaper to buy directly from the brand’s site.

I haven’t tried any other products from this brand yet but given the experience I’ve had so far, I am looking forward to trying a few more. Have you or will you try Mellow Cosmetics lipsticks? Let me know in the comments below!

Beauty, Product Recommendations, Product Reviews

Top 10 makeup products that are worth having!

June 13, 2023 1 Comment

I am going to be honest and tell you that my relationship with makeup isn’t too old. That’s partly because I got introduced to it a little later in life and partly because my focus has been more heavily towards skin care. I believe that a healthy looking skin doesn’t need too much makeup application and thats what I have been aiming for. Not to say that you need makeup to hide your skin flaws. That, absolutely, should not be the purpose of it. Makeup, in my opinion, is a very personal choice and a great reflection of your personality. It makes you look and feel confident.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve received a lot of good and bad feedback on my makeup. Some of it made sense but some didn’t because I don’t really think there’s a rule book to follow. Of course, there’s a set of steps and some important things to keep in mind. But, it should be a personal choice and should be open to experimentation. And experimentation is what I have been doing over the last couple of years. Not just with makeup products, but also with the different styles of makeup. And, I have realized that a no-makeup or soft glam look is what works best for me. Because, I really like to keep it pretty natural looking.

And my experimentation with makeup products has helped me find just the right kinds of products that help me achieve this natural looking or minimalistic look. Here’s 10 of my favorites that I’d like to share with you.

1. The FaceShop Pomegranate and Collagen Volume Lifting Cream || $33.25 on Amazon

I came across this cream on Instagram and it was recommended by one of the makeup influencers I follow. This cream has an amazing texture and it has such a dewy effect on the skin. It works great as a primer and two layers of this cream will not only give you a very glass looking finish but also bind your makeup so well that you can easily go without a touch up for straight 12 hours. Believe me, because I have done that!

2. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer || $36 on Sephora

I have been loving Fenty Beauty products ever since I’ve started using them. I have tried concealers, bronzers and primers by this brand and I just love all the products I have tried so far. Their Pro Filt’r hydrating primer is my recent favorite. Because I have an oily skin, I don’t like creams and primers with a very heavy texture. This primer has a very light creamy texture and as soon as you apply it, your skin will feel very hydrated. It also has a great soft glow that looks perfect under makeup. This primer also works well to keep the makeup in place. Its a great hydrating primer for oily skin in my opinion.

3. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter || $49 on Ulta

This product is a bit on the expensive side but if you like an illuminating effect then this one is for you. I recently bought this in the mini size and have used it at least 3 times and I am just loving it. This product can be applied as a base before your foundation or over your foundation. I use it before my foundation and after my primer, only on the high points of my face. And once I top it off with foundation, I can really see a perfect glow on my cheekbones and nose. You don’t need a lot of it so a little goes a long way but if you’ve been wanting to get a glowy makeup look, you can give this product a try. I got this in the shade 3 Fair.

4. L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer || $5.49 on Ulta

This concealer has a great coverage and longevity. It feels very natural upon application and certainly gives a brightening effect. I don’t use any other concealer when I am using this product. My shade is Pure Beige.

5. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation | $6.94 on Amazon

Perhaps one of my best drugstore buys. I’ve always loved Maybelline as a brand so I wanted to give this foundation a try. I had been looking for a more soft coverage and light weight foundation that I could use every day. This one just fit the bill because its not only soft and light, it also gives such a natural yet flawless look. Whats even better is that it works perfectly on oily skin like mine! Below is what it looks like, after being mixed the Farsali serum. I use the shade Nude Beige.

6. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation | $49 on Sephora

If you’re looking for a more medium to full coverage, then Estée Lauder has one of the best foundations. It comes in a variety of shades and gives an amazing coverage in just one layer. I use this mostly when I am going out and need a perfect coverage. I use the shade 3W1 Tawny.

7. Huda Beauty Setting Powder | $38 on Sephora

I don’t always use a baking powder but if I am doing heavy makeup or applying multiple layers, I think its necessary to bake it well so that it stays in place. And for setting powder, the one brand I trust the most is Huda Beauty. Their baking powders are light weight and come with a cute little sponge to make the application easy. The powder holds the makeup perfectly for hours. I use it in the shade Banana Bread.

8. Huda Beauty Empowered Eye Shadow Palette | $69 on Sephora

I am a sucker for a good eye shadow palette. Eye shadows are always part of my look because no matter how natural looking makeup you do, a nice eye shadow will always accentuate your look without making it look too over the top. My constant favorite has been the Empowered Palette from Huda Beauty. What I like the most about this palette is that it has a variety of gorgeous colors, some of which are cream based so they blend and settle well on the lids. This is one of my favorite makeup products.

9. Fenty Beauty Bronzer | $35 on Sephora

I recently started using this one and I absolutely love this bronzer. I really like the texture and how well it settles on my skin. I use it in the shade Caramel Cutie.

10. Anastasia Glow Kit | $40 at Sephora

This highlighter kit is absolutely stunning. With four different shades, it can be also used as a bronzer with the dark shades. Can also be used as an eye shadow so its really a multipurpose palette. I have used the Moonstone shade in the below picture.

I can’t wait to share some of my favorite lipsticks as well with you all but that’s for another day. Leaving you with some pictures of my finished makeup look!

Don’t forget to check out my quick and easy makeup tutorial on Instagram. Feel free to comment below on what your favorite makeup products are.

Palak Pahwa